The Unadilla MX is a second-generation family-owned race track in New Berlin. It hosts one of the rounds of the American Pro-National Motorcross Series and draws up to 20,000 visitors to the area every year. (Photo by LeBig USA)

by Sophia Root,

Commerce Chenango

NEW BERLIN – This week, Commerce Chenango would like to highlight the Unadilla Valley Sports Center, otherwise known as Unadilla MX. Founded in 1969 by the parents of current owners Jill and Greg Robinson, the facility is a second-generation family-owned business.

Unadilla MX hosts one of the eleven rounds of the American Pro-National Motorcross Series. This annual event brings in a large bank of tourists from around the world each August. The event is live streamed throughout the world, bringing Unadilla MX international notoriety.

According to owner Jill Robinson, “A recent study stated that we bring an economic impact of over $10 million to the surrounding areas, including Chenango County.” Jill and her brother Greg are one of three brother/sister teams in the country who run an event within the pro-national series.

The busiest season for Unadilla MX is in the summer, unsurprisingly. They have a May event first, two large events in June, and the largest in August. For the rest of the year they analyze how their events went, rebuild the track and amenities, and plan for next year. They do their best to keep amenities up to date, and recently renovated their bathrooms, concession stand, and other outdoor amenities.

Jill Robinson’s fondest memory from back in 1987 when Unadilla MX was the first track in the United States to host the Motocross of Nations, which she described as the Olympics of motorcross. She said, “When Dad went to buy the land in 1967, people said he was crazy. More than 50 years later, he's getting the last laugh.”

“Unadilla is internationally known. If you go to a motorcross event in Europe and someone has a Unadilla shirt on, that's a conversation starter right there.” Robinson said that proposals and weddings have happened at the track and she's happy to have that kind of impact.

Unadilla MX’s most important resource is their staff; the people who do work event by event and long-standing employees. Robinson stated, “Our track crew is friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. Put them up against anyone in the country, they're probably the best at what they do. They know the flow, and if you don't have that, you don't have a successful event.”

Robinson said that some of the challenges the track faces include weather, state regulations, fees, finding staff, internet and cell service. She said, “When you have 20,000 people at an event and they're all posting videos, it's a real data hog event.” According to Robinson, some of the benefits are a geographically perfect Motocross terrain, featuring topography such as hills, straights, and forests.

This facility is established in the area, and community members appreciate how the track involves area non-profits. Robinson said the track is always looking for non-profits to help at the events. Some of the recurring helpers include the New Berlin Fire Department, the American Legion Unadilla Valley and surrounding schools, the Girl Scouts, and more. These groups run food concessions, sell event programs, etc. which is a significant fundraiser for them. The track also compensates these groups for their help with other event needs.

The number of Unadilla MX employees varies from event to event. Robinson said, “Some people work six hours a year, some work season round. All in all, we send out about 150 w2s. We get around 190 volunteers who are representing their organization and are happy to take a donation.” The August event takes more than a year of planning.

If you or your non-profit group would like to help at an event, you can reach out by email at info@unadillamx.com. You also get the opportunity to see the event for free. To learn more about Unadilla MX visit unadillamx.com.